Help Wanted: Tryout for boat washing must be paid

First of all, she owes your son for the time he worked. Federal labor laws require nonexempt workers, or hourly workers, a category your son probably falls into, to be paid for all the hours they work. By not paying him, the employer is violating both state and federal minimum-wage laws, which require most workers to earn at least $7.25 an hour.

Secondly, state labor law says that except for taxes, she can't deduct money from his pay without his written permission. And I doubt your son would give her such permission.

My suggestion is to have your son send her a letter by registered return receipt, telling her that he expects his pay in a week from the day she receives the letter. Tell her what I mentioned above and add that minimum-wage violations and illegal deductions could result in a fine and audit.

If she is sensible, she will mail your son's pay right away. If not, he should file a complaint.

Labor laws don't require companies to offer benefits. So employers can set the terms, as long as they abide by rules such as notifying employees in advance.

"Employees who do not consent to a direct deposit arrangement must receive wages in cash or by check," the state Labor Department said.

And that consent isn't permanent. "The consent must be revocable at will," the department said.

The online payroll statements are legal if employees can view them at work and print copies. Otherwise, the company is violating state labor law.

For more on what constitutes hours worked and state direct-deposit regulations, go to newsday.com/business